ELECTION

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

An election may be defined as an act if choosing or selecting candidates who will represent the people of a country in the parliament and in other positions in the government. election is also said to be a contest between competing political parties or groups for government power. Elections became imperative as a result of impossibility of direct representation in the modern states. Direct representation as practiced in the smack ancient Greek city gave way to indirect representations as a result of the growth of modern nations.

In this indirect representatives citizens, through elections choose those who will represent their interests and opinions in the legislature and other government positions.

1.1        BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Election was introduced on December 23, 1973 when FEDCO announced that five 5 political parties might contest in 1979 election. They were UPN, NPP, GNPP, PRP and NPN. The universal use of election as a tool for selecting representatives in modern democracies is in contrast with the practice in the democratic archetype, ancient Athens. As the election were considered an oligarchy institution and most political offices were filled using sortition also known as allotment by the office holder were chosen by lot.

The indications appear to be that Nigeria’s next general election will hold in February 2015 based on the calendar rolled out by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC earlier in the year. Nigerians looked forward to the election, very optimistic of the opportunity it offer for democratic consolidation such that calls for postponement as recently made by senator David Mark, Nigeria’s  senate president, on the ground that Nigeria is at war would hardly be given serious considerations by stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral democracy. Several others have made such calls for reasons that are hardly in tandem with public interest and demand. The election promise to be historic for many reasons

1.2        STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Optimism that the election will hold is not oblivious of potential threats arising from the Boko Haram insurgency in the north east and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) factor. Fortuneately, the latter which stretched public health to its limit within a short space of time has been largely curtailed. but the which is discussed blow is the more poignant threat not being ignored is the threat of anti democratic elements who for various reasons may intensify campaigns for the postponement of the election and engage in undue politicization of ethnic and regional sentiment in the countdown to the election.

1.3        OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

However, this study is expected to discuss the reasons for the change of election engaged in undue politicization of the ethnic and regional sentiment in the countdown of the election and this can be achieved by:

                                I.            Identify the problem

                             II.            Identify the element and factor responsible

                           III.            Analyzing the problem

                          IV.            Effect of the problem

                             V.            Arriving at possible solution to the problem

1.4        DEFINITION OF TERMS

Under this section some useful terms are defined in accord to give the reader a clear view about the topic for research work. Below are some of the terms:

a.       ELECTION: An election is a formal decision making by which population

Chooses an individual to hold public office. It is also the act of choosing or selecting candidates who will represent the people of the country in the parliament and in other position in the government.

b.      DEMOCRACY: A system of government by the whole population or all eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

c.       INEC [INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION]: is the main agent of democracy in Nigeria. INEC is a permanent body created by the constitution to organize Federal and State election in Nigeria.

1.5        SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research work covers the electoral process in Nigeria

1.6        SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study intends to aid interested individuals or group of individuals to know the causes on the postponement of election date and how it affects the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

1.7        PLAN OF THE STUDY

This research work as whole talks about the impact of change in election date on the survival of democracy in Nigeria. It will continue by stating why election date has been postponed, it examine some research question necessary for the study, define some terms related to it, show its background, reflect its statement of problem, scope of study and also the significance of the study.

1.8        TEST OF HYPOTHESIS

H₀; The postponement of the election does not engage in undue politicization of ethnics and regional sentiments in the countdown to election.

H₁ the postponement of the election engages in undue politicization of ethnic and regional sentiment in the countdown to election.

1.9     LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

TIME FACTOR:  The located to this work was not enough for a proper research work t be done, more things would give been done but due to time constraint I decided to stop here/

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT: Finance was another cost of typing, printing and binding, considering that we weren’t buoyant enough to undertake it.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1     INTRODUCTION

Election is an act of choosing or selecting a candidate who will represent the people of a country in the parliament and in other positions in government; elections are highly organized channel of popular expression [Aderibigbe 2006]

 Princeton [2005] revealed that whatever Essential to make democracy effective and sustainable elections is the life blood of the system, the constant affirmation of legitimacy for its leaders and the bond that links the leader with the people.

Electoral system of any given country plays a fundamental role in sustaining and moulding the political behavior of its citizens/[Okolo 2000]

The way and manner election is conducted in a country goes a long way to determine the level of political culture. Political participation and good governance in a country these assertions give a clue to the importance of a good and healthy electoral system in a country.

2.2     IMPORTANCE OF ELECTION IN DEMOCRACY

         I.            An election gives the power to the people and enables them to choose their leader who makes decisions on their behalf.

       II.            Democracy is based on all people having the same rights and having the country ruled by the people, because of this election is essential.

    III.            People have the opportunity to choose who they would like to represent them

    IV.            Provide mechanism for collective effort towards the development

      V.            Promote citizens sense of belonging in government

2.3    ADVANTAGES OF ELECTION

       I.            CHOOSING OF REPRESENTATIVES: elections makes it possible for the citizens to choose those that will represent their interest and opinions in the government

    II.            FOR CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT: Elections serves as processes of changing government in a country through peaceful means/

 III.            MAKES RULERS ACCOUNTABLE: Election makes it possible for the leader to submit themselves to the electorate in order to renew their mandate to the people when they are in power.

  IV.            FOSTERS DEMOCRACY: Democracy makes it possible for people to participate in the government of their country thrives, grows and develops more through elections

     V.            EDUCATION OF ELECTORATES: Electorates are educated more during election periods on their political parties and electoral commission.

2.4     DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTION

           I.            Elections causes polarization of the people of a country into antagonistic groups

        II.            The division of the people caused by election does not make for peace and unity in a country.

     III.            Elections enthrone a political demagogue who deceives the people with their sugar coated tongues.

      IV.            As a result of the fact that politics is a game of number, the minority groups are not favored by election.

         V.            Election causes uneven development as a result to neglect of areas that failed to vote for the party in power.

2.5    TYPES OF ELECTION

A.     DIRECT ELECTION: this is a method by which citizens of a country who are qualified vote in an election by casting their votes directly in order to elect those that will represent them either in the legislature or the executive arm of government.

B.     INDIRECT ELECTION: This method by which citizens of a country elect their representatives indirectly through Electoral College.

Therefore, direct election is more democratic than the indirect election because the elected representatives reflect popular choice as all qualified adults are given the opportunity to participate in the election of their representatives.

2.6      FREE AND FAIR ELECTION

A free and fair election refers to one conducted in an atmosphere devoid  of harassment, intimidation and other coercive means in order to bend the will of the voters and according to constitutional procedure. In this type of election, all election vices are eliminated, the will of majority of voters prevails candidates who did not win election are never imposed on the voters in a free and fair election

                                                CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1      INTRODUCTION

3.2     SOURCES OF DATA

To enhance the study, data were collected from both primary and secondary sources.

PRIMARY SOURCES: The primary sources of data are one which the researcher is the direct observer or participant. Most researchers obtain this type of data for the purpose of research work. Methods used under the primary sources are:

QUESTIONNAIRE: A questionnaire is set of questions relating to the aims and objective of the study the respondents are required to answer by writing their responses. This method is used when factual information desired to obtain fact about the past, present and the anticipated event. In respect to this work, questions are asked on the impact of the change of election date and the postponement or shifting of the election date.

INTERVIEW: the interview is a face to face interaction situation in which the interviewer ask the interviewee questions which are responded orally. In regard to this work, their was also face to face interview with their officers.

SECONDARY SOURCE:

Secondary source on the other hand, involves data which already exist. This method of data collection is moving comprehensively and is more preferred because it is less strenuous and easier and quicker to collect. For this research work, the secondary sources of data which are used are: Text books, Magazines, Journals, Periodical, articles and personal documents

interview questions

In carrying out the field study, interview questions we design.
In designing these questions, the following factors were taken into consideration Vis:

(i)                 The motive for the research work.

(ii)               The significance or importance of this research work.

(iii)             The end result of the research work.

Three categories of respondents were interviewed:

(i)                 The staff of the audit unit.

(ii)               The staff of the account department

(iii)             A cross section of staff from other department.

POPULATION:

Population: ordinarily the term population means a large number of mass of people living in a geographical area, like country, state and local government. In research work and statistics the term population is used in a more specialized sense. Since this research work is aim at looking at the impact of change of election date in Nigeria, using a case study of Nigeria.

DATA ANALYSIS     

In this project work, the method of analysis to be used is CHI-SQUARE it is a simple statistics used in testing a hypothesis concerning the difference between a set of observed frequencies of a sample and a corresponding set expected frequency. The chi-square formula is given below

                            X^{2 =} (01 – EI

                                                            CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.0 INTRODUCTION

Presentation and analysis is done to provide information to help in solving the problem at hand. Data analysis involves converting a series of data recorded into a descriptive statement or in reference about relationship. To be useful research or data collected must be broken down into constituent parts. It consist of statistics, calculation carried out with the raw data provide suitable answer to the summarized in a tabular form showing the percentages. The research was based on simple percentages as an instrument or tool was based on simple percentages as an instrument or tools to carry out data analysis.

4.1 Data presentation

 Below is a format showing how data are tabulated with varying percentages:-

Table 1.4.1

The number of questionnaires distributed

Categories	No. of questionnaire	No. of questionnaire received	No. of questionnaire used
Accounting department	125	111	105
Staffs	15	5	5
Total	140	116	110

Percentage frequency = No. of response x 100

                                        Total frequency

Out of 140 questionnaires, 116 were returned fully answered, 6 were not properly marked and only 110 were used.

4.2 Data interpretation for research questions

Question 1

Do you think political leaders still keep to their promise when they ascertain elected position?

TABLE 1

OPTION	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
Agreed	16	15%
Disagreed	84	76%
Undecided	10	9%
Total	110	100%

Observation: from the break down 15% agreed, 76% disagreed, were only 9% undecided among the respondents, which then prove the question 1 above to be partially correct.

Question 2

Do you think the society will be changed by the leaders?

TABLE 2

OPTION	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
Yes	77	70%
No	33	30%
Total	110	100%

Observation

Out of 100% respondent, 70% said yes while the remaining 30% disagreed with the question, it simply shows that the question is correct.